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The iconic American psychologist and father of the theory of self-actualization, Dr. Abraham Maslow, once said, “Good psychology should include all the methodological techniques, without having loyalty to one method, one idea, or one person.” This is what can happen if we forget that the world of treatment and recovery is fluid and progressive. We can lose sight of all of the treatment options that are available. This also holds true for those individuals that have co-occurring disorders.

Not only is the realm of recovery fluid, but it is also one that is continually presenting us with various levels, stages, and transitions. For example, there are treatment plans that begin with residential, then transition to intensive and general outpatient, and perhaps end with an integrated community recovery plan. However, what happens when these plans are upended? 

For example, an individual with co-occurring disorders could end up struggling with their current recovery plan. With that, it becomes time to make adjustments, as malleability in treatment planning is also crucial for continued recovery.

Explaining Co-Occurring Disorders

Many of us know and have probably experienced the difficulty of conveying mental health disorders/addiction issues to others. There is a fine line to walk between assertiveness and understanding. We also know that this task becomes compounded and more nuanced when having to explain co-occurring disorders.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year, and 46 percent of young adults 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness.” There is certainly no doubt that co-occurring disorders of mental illness and addiction are highly prevalent. However, helping someone understand that they are affected by two or more disorders is still a challenges.

One of the primary reasons for this difficulty is that co-occurring disorders often share many of the same warning signs and symptoms. When this happens, one of the disorders often goes unnoticed because it is overshadowed by the other. With that, it is also important to understand the dangers of self-diagnosis, and that being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders does not necessarily represent a more “difficult” recovery journey.

Conveying the Best Options for Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment

Perhaps the most important part of understanding treatment options is remembering the importance of treatment in the first place. We must remember that the hardest part about recovery is taking the first step and accepting help. 

Regarding that help, there are generally two primary treatment programs. These include an intensive inpatient program (commonly referred to as residential treatment), and an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Intensive Inpatient vs. Intensive Outpatient Programs

When it comes to a treatment program, it is important to take into account all factors of the current situation. Recognizing the need for treating co-occurring disorders is a great start. Next, it is important to take into account backstories, current financial and scheduling situations, and ultimate recovery goals. From there, a facility can begin to determine if an inpatient or outpatient program is the right choice.

When considering inpatient programs, the most crucial part is understanding the critical need for them. This is, of course, the right choice if an individual is in danger of hurting themself or others. If they are not, or they don’t have the financial or scheduling means to accommodate it, an IOP may be the best choice.

An IOP can be ideal because it still allows for close daily contact and therapy while also allowing someone to keep “one foot” in their everyday lives. It also tends to be the more affordable option, and having too much financial strain can actually make a recovery journey more stressful and ultimately less successful in the end.

Why The Phoenix Recovery Center May Be the Right Choice

Now, the key to any recovery program, for those with co-occurring disorders or not, is finding the right recovery center to connect with. They must hold the same values. Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we are confident in our value sets, so we know that we can be a great option for anyone struggling with co-occurring disorders. We know that we can empower someone to recapture authority over their own lives so they can make the changes they need to grow.

Dr. Maslow also once said that “We may define therapy as a search for value.” That is what we do at The Phoenix Recovery Center. We make a great effort not just to define our values, but to exhibit them as well. Because we value our work, we value our connections, our clients, and most importantly, their recoveries. For more information on why The Phoenix Recovery Center may be the best place for you, please reach out to us today at (801) 438-3185.

The Phoenix Recovery Center
489 W. South Jordan Pkwy
Suite 400
South Jordan, UT